HE was one of the most familiar voices on the airwaves in the UK.
Sadly, the cause of death of veteran broadcaster Steve Wright has been revealed.
Stephen Richard Wright, an influential English disc jockey and radio personality, changed the airwaves of British radio by introducing the morning zoo format, characterised by its lively ensemble of humorous personalities.
Born on August 26, 1954, in Greenwich, London, Wright’s passion for radio began in his youth.
While attending Eastwood High School for Boys in Essex, he ran a fledgling radio show from a stock cupboard, broadcasting it over the school’s speaker system.
Wright’s professional journey started in the early 1970s when he joined the BBC as a returns clerk in the Gramophone Library.
He transitioned to on-air broadcasting in 1976 with Thames Valley Radio Radio 210 in Reading, Berkshire.
His major career breakthrough came in 1979 at Radio Luxembourg, where he hosted his own nightly show, cementing his status in the industry.
Wright was a prominent radio presenter known for hosting Steve Wright in the Afternoon on BBC Radio 1 for 12 years and BBC Radio 2 for 23 years.
He also presented Sunday Love Songs on Radio 2 until his passing.
In a major shake-up in September 2022, Wright stepped down from his afternoon show, and Scott Mills took over following a reorganisation.
Wright’s radio career included international exposure as he began presenting Wright Around The World on BBC World Service starting January 5, 1999.
This programme, which ran every Saturday afternoon, ended on October 25, 2003, marking a period when Wright broadcasted seven days a week.
In October 2023, Wright took on a new role as host of the enduring Pick of the Pops chart show.
His television credits include hosting shows like Home Truths, The Steve Wright People Show, Auntie’s TV Favourites, Top of the Pops, and TOTP2.
Recognised for his contributions to radio, Wright received multiple accolades, including being voted Best DJ of the Year by Daily Mirror readers and Smash Hits in 1994.
He was also named TRIC Personality of the Year in 1998.
In recognition of his service to radio, he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours.
Regarding his earnings, between 2018 and 2019, Wright’s salary ranged from £465,000 to £469,000, making him the fifth highest-paid presenter at the BBC at the time.
This salary marked an £85,000 reduction from the previous year, in a bid to equalise pay between male and female presenters.
Wright passed away at 69 on February 12, 2024, with his death certificate, accessed by the BBC, citing acute peritonitis and a perforated gastric peptic ulcer as the causes.
The NHS describes peritonitis as an infection of the stomach lining, whereas a perforated ulcer, a more unusual condition, occurs when the stomach lining splits open.
Previously, the Metropolitan Police had commented on Wright’s death in central London’s Marylebone, stating it “was unexpected, but is not being treated as suspicious.”
There will be no inquiry into his death as confirmed by Westminster Coroner’s Court.
They issued a statement in May declaring, “An inquest will not be required for Mr. Wright. The coroner has now discontinued this case.”
Wright’s personal life included a marriage to Cyndi Robinson, an American journalist he met in Reading in 1985.
They had two children together before their divorce in 1999.
